Geelong Cats vice president and businesswoman Diana Taylor will take over as chair of the Geelong Authority, state government has announced.
Ms Taylor, who also chairs charity Anam Cara House Geelong, will take over from Professor Roz Hansen in the role.
“As a proud product of Geelong, I’m thrilled to lead the Geelong Authority and to work closely with the City of Greater Geelong and the many visionary partners who are committed to Geelong,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing the good work of the Geelong Authority and driving economic, social and population growth within the city’s CBD.”
The business owner and lawyer has been a member of the Geelong Authority since 2017.
State government established the authority in 2015 to advise the Planning Minister, and to fast-track major planning decisions, create jobs and drive growth in Geelong.
According to State Government, the authority’s advice has been critical in implementing the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan leading to $400 million in local projects.
Current priorities under the plan include central Geelong’s controversial Green Spine project, laneway extensions, improving accessibility, Geelong’s arts and culture precinct and project planning until 2026.
The authority will also advise on the $382.48 million joint federal, state and council Geelong City Deal.
“Ms Taylor’s wealth of experience and commitment to Geelong makes her well-suited to lead the Geelong Authority as it streamlines planning for major projects and fast-tracks investment and development,” Planning Minister Richard Wynne said.
